Pyramids

Frank Ocean, 2012. Solo by John Mayer.

Mayer's expressive, bluesy lead in the song's second half gives Ocean's ten-minute epic a warm emotional release.

Pyramids is a ten-minute song in two halves, and John Mayer's guitar provides a warm emotional release in the second part. After the song's dramatic shift from pulsing synths to a slower, hazier groove, Mayer's bluesy lead enters with expressive bends and a clean, rounded tone. His playing is restrained and conversational, fitting the mood rather than dominating it. The contrast between the electronic production and the organic guitar adds depth to Frank Ocean's storytelling. Listen for how Mayer's phrases drift in and out of the mix, often echoing the vocal melody, and how the solo builds gently as the song fades toward its close.

Pyramids by Frank Ocean is featured in our Neo-Soul (#1) list. The solo is played by John Mayer and the song was released in 2012.

In our lists

• Genre Champions — #20
• Beyond the Canon — #4
• The 20 Greatest Neo-Soul Guitar Solos — #1
• Guest Solos — #18

Sources